Jerry Dee Winters

Heaven became a little brighter and funnier place on May 5, 2026, when Jerry Dee Winters of St. George arrived with the angels after a brief unexpected illness. He had just had his 72nd birthday. Above all else, Jerry just loved to laugh and have a good time, and to help others laugh, too. What a terrific sense of humor he had. What a terrific infectious laugh he had! It didn’t matter if it was highbrow, lowbrow, joking, teasing, clean, raunchy, smart, stupid, slapstick, or satire, Jerry (AKA “JW” or “Jurri”) loved it all. An old hippie, he often regarded ordinary life as one big ongoing comedy show. And he had the wonderful knack of helping others laugh along with him. That's a pretty good way to look at things and one of the things his wife, Colleen, loved best about him. Being a fun-loving guy didn’t mean Jerry didn’t know how to be responsible. As a young man, Jerry served his country in the US Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. Later, he was a straight-up guy and a good provider who would do what it took to take care of those he loved. Jerry always took very good care of all his loved ones, no matter who they were. A true and faithful friend, he always made sure he took good care of his relationships. One group of friends dates back to when they were all in diapers. Everyone scattered over the next 60 or 70 years, but he always took the time and effort to call everyone regularly, just to check in and maintain that connection, and not lose those lifetime friendships. With everyone, he was always ready to lend a helping hand and jump in when anything was needed, and he did it with a grin and a joke. Were you in some sort of difficulty? No one would defend you more fiercely or try harder to help you solve your problem than Jerry. If you needed him, he was 100% there. We in his orbit always knew we were well loved. Jerry & Colleen (Pates) met on New Year’s Eve 1978-79. They went out soon after, and were married that September. It was a match meant to be and they shared one of the world’s great love stories for nearly 47 years. Jerry enjoyed a very rich sense of curiosity, creativity, and imagination, which expressed themselves in many ways. Two of Jerry’s favorite words were “Why?” and “How?” and he loved to explore them. He was really kind of a mechanical and spatial genius. He loved to find better ways to do things. It might be a more efficient way to store things, at which he was a true master. It might be a handy gadget or just a fun toy he invented. It might be a poem he wrote. It might be something he dreamed up in his woodworking shop. It might be a fun Christmas present made from bits and pieces of scraps. It might be a yard mural in the form of a peace sign. He was a terrific storyteller. Jerry loved to go do. He and Colleen lived in several places through their lives. He grew up in Salt Lake City, but they later lived in northeast Texas, southern Idaho, and finally St. George. Each place had its own experiences to offer. He loved to travel and explore the world, near or far, especially if it could be by motorcycle. By motorcycle or by car, often with Colleen, he loved discovering new and interesting places. Latest plans had included visiting as many national parks as possible. At other times, travel might be in the form of a golf trip, his other big passion. He loved golfing with old and new buddies and it took him all over the western states. He took joy in reading, which opened whole additional new worlds for him. He loved to go exploring with his dogs and always brought back a happily tired dog and a great tale of adventure. Jerry was a man of his convictions and was never afraid to defend them. He always stood up boldly for what he thought was right. He loved a good debate and if he could present you with some ideas you had never thought of, so much the better. Integrity, honor, and honesty were important to Jerry, and he worked hard to live by them each day. If he said he would do something, he did it with grace. He was truly genuine and authentic. What you saw was exactly what you got. No games, no pretense. Just the real him, always. Laughing all the way. Jerry leaves behind his wife, Colleen, and 3 siblings: Larry Winters of Wichita Falls, Texas; Joy Winters of West Valley City, Utah; and Gay Winters Shaffer of Tooele, Utah; along with nieces, nephews, and extended members of both his own and Colleen’s family. Both of his own parents, Laura Poynor Winters and Donald Winters; a niece, Alicia Shaffer Green; and both parents-in-law, Elaine & Don Pates, had gone on before. If you would like to do something to honor Jerry, you may make a donation to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a Utah corporation, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741, https://bestfriends.org . There will be no formal service. Instead, we will release Jerry’s cremated remains over a few of his favorite places at a later date. You’re always in our hearts, darlin’. We’ll miss you. Enjoy your new adventure. We’re looking forward to having you tell us all about it when it’s our turn.